Pieter Fink, 78, earned his heavenly wings on Saturday, April 3, 2021 after a prolonged illness. “Petie” as many called him was born in Galt, Ontario Canada to Thomas and Dr. Alma Fink. Petie became the ultimate shananigator with his best friend Karl Kristensen, brother George Hawkings and friend John Seaton. Together, the three of them, played practical jokes on family and friends to include using the hose on his sister and her date on their prom night. In his teenage years Petie was a recreational boxer and attended Lakefield Military School where he obtained his interest in serving. Petie joined the United States Navy in 1961 as a Combat Corpsman during Vietnam. On a cold October day in 1968 Petie agreed to go on a blind date where he met Chris (Netherton) Fink. From this day on they were inseparable and were married in December of 1970 in Norwood, Colorado. After serving a hard tumultuous thirteen years in the military, he received a well-deserved honorable discharge. He and Chris had a daughter, Elizabeth (Fink) Henrikson in 1973. If you were to ask anyone who knew Petie, many words would come to mind such has, funny-duck, gracious, compassionate, kind, strong, genuine, but the best of all a beautiful, beautiful soul. He embraced and cherished all life except for Rattlesnakes. Those darn snakes never had a chance with Petie and a shovel. Even being the jokester and shananigator, he was loved and loved his family.
Although he did not live in Canada, he made sure to stay in touch with his brothers George Hawkings and Paul Fink who he had the utmost loving respect for and endearing sister MaryBeth, who also guided him in life. Petie’s bond with family, friends and even an acquaintance will always remain strong through his legacy. He was always willing to lend a hand or help his community. Petie, along with the late Clyde Griffith, led a strong campaign to get a fire truck in Dry Creek Basin. Through his determination it became a reality making our small, but close, community safer. Preceding him in death were his parents (Thomas and Dr. Fink), and sister MaryBeth. He is survived by his wife Chris Fink of 53 years, daughter Elizabeth (Michael) Henrikson, brother George (Rita) Hawkings, brother Paul (Ruth) Fink, Brother-in-laws Arthur (Phyllis) Davis, Edward Netherton, sisters-in-law Donna (Tim) Ross and Deanna (Jim) Spillman, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family has asked for anyone who knew Petie to please share some wonderful stories with them via phone, email, or cards as laughter is always the best medicine.
A public viewing for Pieter will be held on Thursday, April 8th at Legacy Funeral Home 3196 Mesa Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81504 from 6 to 8pm. Burial service will be held the following week on April 15th at 1pm at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery located at 2830 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, CO 81501. In lieu of flowers you can make donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Pieter Fink’s name.,